Register your new business name.
**How to Check if a Business Name is Available in Australia**
When starting a new business in Australia, one of the crucial steps is to check if the desired business name is available for registration. This process ensures that your business name does not infringe on existing trademarks or names, which can lead to legal and reputational issues. Here are the steps to follow to check if a business name is available in Australia.
### Conducting a Comprehensive Search
Before registering a business name, it is essential to conduct a thorough search to identify any potential conflicts with existing businesses. This includes checking the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Business Name Register, the Australian Business Register’s ABN Lookup tool, or a simple Google search. Additionally, it is recommended to check registered trademarks with IP Australia’s free tool to ensure that your proposed name does not conflict with existing trademarks.
### Interpreting Search Results
The search results can indicate one of three scenarios:
1. **Exact Match**: Another business has already registered your desired name. In this case, you will need to choose a different name.
2. **Similar Names**: Your desired name is similar to another business, and you will need to consider whether it could be confusing or legally precarious.
3. **No Match**: Your desired name is likely available, but it is essential to double-check with the sources above before proceeding with registration.
### Alternative Naming Options
If your desired name is already taken or too similar to an existing name, you have several options to consider:
– **Using Synonyms**: Replace the word with a synonym.
– **Spelling the Word Differently**: Change the spelling of the word.
– **Translating the Business Name**: Translate the name into another language.
– **Adding Descriptive Words**: Add descriptive words to differentiate the name.
For example, if you want to register a business called “Apple,” you could consider names like “Apple Fruit & Veg Pty Ltd” or “Pomme Pty Ltd”.
### Registering the Business Name
Once you have a unique and available name, you can register it through ASIC. The process involves selecting your business structure, providing an Australian Business Number (ABN), and paying the registration fee. The fees for registering a business name are $42 for one year and $98 for three years.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, checking if a business name is available in Australia is a crucial step in starting a new business. By conducting a comprehensive search, interpreting the results, and considering alternative naming options, you can ensure that your business name does not infringe on existing trademarks or names. For more information and to register your business name, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
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**Recommended Resource:**
To register your new business name in Australia, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
